Sage asks “What is the appeal of St. Louis?”
Not for everyone, but we certainly enjoy it. Here is a write up of our last trip there…
Not the original plan, but still a GREAT getaway.
We’ve had a blast today. The hotel is very nice. Concierge is very helpful, but I have never cared for valet service. I like to know where my car is and be able to go to it anytime without feeling like I am putting someone out to go get it just because I need something. (Haven’t had to do that yet, but still!) I do love that it is kid friendly. at breakfast this morning we were given a bag for each child that had in it crayons, coloring book, snack and juice, (annoying) noise making bouncy bal, and a few other cute items. The girls really enjoyed playing checkers and chess in the lobby after breakfast. There’s a baby grand in the lobby, I would love to hear someone break out in song.
Today was a LONG day. Kids are exhausted. We went to Grants Farm. Rode the tram through the animal refuge and got to see an adorable red fox hiding under a fallen tree. No oreo cow this time, she was hiding I guess. Lots of deer, antelope, geese, and other animals. We spent time at the clydesdale stables where the girls enjoyed petting the horses. “Froggy” was a little alarmed at one nibbling at “Tweety’s” hair. “Tweety” thought it was funny. We had cold drinks at the Bauernhof. Didn’t get to see all of the carriages this time because they were preparing to host portions of a telethon this weekend. Before leaving we stopped in at White Haven. The bright green house in the picture. This was one of the homes of Ulysses Grant. I thought the color was odd, but it is supposed to be very close to the original. This house was part of Julia Dent’s family. Grant built another home on the property. I actually like it much better. The pic is on the still camera. (Got a new digi and am having fun playing with it!) Grant’s Farm is a favorite for us.n There are lots of neat animals, mccaws, a gigantic turtle, and bald eagles.
After Grant’s Farm was the best barbecue at Bandana’s. I love ribs! Lunch was a good rest so we headed on to the transportation museum. I know Djembe and the girls were not as into it as me. It was basically a rail yard with old engines and such. I thought it was cool. The entrance had an old bomber plane and a ferry boat. The rest was engines and rail cars from 19th century forward. I took a ton of pics there.
Tomorrow will be Cahokia (I hope), then down to the arch where I also want a good pic of the Dred Scott courthouse, and we will spend some time at the city museum that we’ve heard people raving about.
BTW, the gothic looking building is just one that I like. It is engraved city hall above the entrance, I’m not sure if it still is or not.
Day 2:
We had a wonderful day taking in the history of the area today. One of the highlights of all of my St. Louis trips was visiting the Dred Scott courthouse this morning. We were just going to drive by on our way to Cahokia Mounds and get a pic, but it turned out we were able to go inside and see the courtrooms and other exhibits. The Dred Scott case was first heard in what is now the entrance, because of a weakening structure it had to be redone. We were able to go into the courtroom above the original so the original probably looked very similar. After the case went through several higher courts it came back to this building where Scott’s freedom was purchased in courtroom 13. It was not accessible today due to renovations.
We also went to the Cahokia mound site. With a 14 acre base, Cahokia’s Monk’s mound is the largest in North America. Fortunately it was not too hot today, it was a long hike to the top! There is an interpretive center on site that was really well done. They have lifelike recreations of what it must have been like at the height of the Cahokia settlement. I was amazed at the societal organization with class structure, subsistence, and commerce.
After Cahokia we went over to St. Louis Mills, a HUGE mall. We had a good Tex/Mex lunch then roamed the mall for a little while finally deciding on ice skating for an afternoon activity. It was chilly, but a lot of fun. For a first timer”Tweety” did very well. She was very confident when she, in her words, “got the hang of it”. That child has no fear. “Froggy” did very well too. She has been a few times before and really enjoys it. The kids needed to run off a little more energy so we let them play in the kids play area. Every mall should have one of these. It is a padded area for kids to climb around and slide…a mall play place! Great shops, and lots to do, it is a definite repeat activity for our next trip here.
Day 3 and home sweet home!
It is so wonderful to be home! We had a wonderful time at the St. Louis Zoo before heading home. The goal was to get the girls good and exhausted before heading out so that they would sleep the whole way home. Nope, didnt work. We were all exhausted after walking around the zoo, but they didnt sleep!
St. Louis has a wonderful zoo. Free entrance and you can see most everything. There are, of course, many ways to spend money while in the zoo. You have to pay for special exhibits. One of my favorites is the insectarium and butterfly house (of course). “Tweety” and I had a wonderful time walking through there. There was also a very friendly giraffe that took an interest in observers. The habitats are so wonderful at that it is sometimes hard to see the animals if they choose to hide in the shade. I prefer it that way, but it is still nice when they grace you with their presence. We had a great day regardless. Lots to see.
The way home was uneventful. The girls played their games and watched a video. Minimal sibling rivalry. It was a search to find affordable gas. Looks like prices are dropping now that we are home. (of course.)
All in all, great trip. Glad we were able to go again.
